A new poll says eight in 10
Americans say that the economy is in poor shape, and the number
that says conditions are very poor is on the upswing after steady
declines through the spring.

And according to the survey, more people blame the Republicans over the
Democrats
for the country's economic problems.

At first blush, the angry, frustrated public would be welcome news to
the GOP,
which hopes to capitalize on voter anxiety.

But, at least in this poll, Americans aren't in large numbers holding
the majority
responsible for the mess Republicans left for Dems to clean up.

Respondents were asked, for example, "Do you think the Democrats or the
Republicans
are more responsible for the country's current economic problems?"

A 44% plurality said the GOP is to blame, 35% pointing the finger at
Democrats,
and 16% held both parties equally responsible.

While the percentage of respondents blaming Dems has grown steadily,
the percentage
blaming Republicans is now at its highest point in over a year. When
presidents' names
are added to the mix, the results are even more one-sided.

Respondents were asked, "Do you think Obama and the Democrats or Bush
and the
Republicans are more responsible for the country's current economic
problems?"

With this wording, a 55% majority blamed the GOP, while 33% blamed the
Dems.